CHISINAU, July 28. /TASS/. Ukrainian strikes on the port of Novorossiysk and Danube navigation hurdles caused by low water levels have triggered a fuel shortage in Moldova, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced at an extraordinary cabinet meeting. Following the session, the government declared a 30-day energy alert.

"A series of supply chain disruptions have created a challenging situation, particularly regarding diesel fuel. This stems from the destruction of several terminals in Novorossiysk, which restricted oil exports from Kazakhstan. Approximately 80% of Kazakh oil exports flow through Novorossiysk, and it serves as the primary feedstock for the Petromidia refinery in Romania, the largest producer of diesel for Romania and our region," the prime minister said.

According to Tofan, Moldova imports significant volumes of diesel via the Danube. However, dropping water levels have stranded several fuel vessels, disrupting scheduled deliveries and compounding supply strains.

The Farmers' Power association first sounded the alarm yesterday, warning that the fuel shortage had persisted for five to seven days and threatened to disrupt the ongoing harvest. Government data indicates that roughly 10% of filling stations have run out of diesel. Meanwhile, a TASS correspondent reports that the situation remains calm at retail gas stations, with no signs of queuing.